In a strategic move to combat the current food shortage in Nigeria and discourage hoarding practices, the Zamfara State Transport Agency (ZARTO) intervened on Monday to stop fifty trucks loaded with food items that were on their way to the Niger Republic. This action aligns with the directives issued by President Bola Tinubu, who, last Thursday, tasked key security and state officials, including National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun, and Director-General of the Department of State Services Yusuf Bichi, alongside state governors, to collaboratively tackle the pressing issue of food hoarding in the country.
A local from Zurmi town in the Zurmi Local Government Area of Zamfara State, Shehu Sani, confirmed the interception of the trucks at Gidan Jaja village, located near the Nigerian border with the Niger Republic. According to Sale Shinkafi, the spokesperson for ZARTO, the halted trucks were attempting to smuggle various grains out of Nigeria.
“Our team intercepted 50 vehicles laden with assorted grains trying to exit the country,” Shinkafi reported. “We instructed the owners to return and distribute the goods to Nigerians at fair prices.” He emphasized that the agency’s primary objective was to prevent these essential food items from being smuggled abroad, ensuring they remain accessible to Nigerians at just prices. Consequently, the trucks were turned back without agency officials accompanying them, with a clear directive to sell the commodities within Nigeria at appropriate rates. This measure is part of broader efforts to ensure food availability and affordability in the face of economic challenges.